tna, Emrich Packaging Machinery and Swiss Pack have been confirmed as exhibitors at AUSPACK PLUS 2013. [ + ]

Barry O’Farrell has launched the next phase of the 8700 initiative, which requires supermarkets to display the kilojoule content of ready-to-eat foods. [ + ]

The AFGC and the Beverages Council have welcomed the Federal Court’s ruling that the NT container tax contravenes the Mutual Recognition Act. The container tax will not apply to beverages manufactured outside the NT. [ + ]

The AIP’s half-day flexible packaging training course is crossing the Tasman. Held in conjunction with PAC.NZ, the course will be held at the BNZ Highbrook Partner Centre in Auckland. [ + ]

Ai Group has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of support for the $52 million expansion of the Mars confectionery plant in Ballarat. [ + ]

Fonterra will invest more than NZ$100 million in a new UHT milk processing plant at its Waitoa site in New Zealand. CEO Theo Spierings said the new plant would enable the co-operative to meet growing demand for UHT products in Asia. [ + ]

The remaining 70 employees of iconic food manufacturer Rosella Foods will be made redundant after efforts to sell the business proved unsuccessful. [ + ]

Campbell’s has donated 225,000 serves of vegetables to Australians in need to mark the official opening of its $14.6 million dollar PET line at its Shepparton facility. [ + ]

More than 50% of Australians don’t trust the ‘Big 10’ food and drink companies, according to Oxfam’s Behind the Brands report, which assessed the companies on their sourcing of agricultural commodities from developing countries. [ + ]

A new test developed by the University of Copenhagen allows sensory researchers to conduct rapid product tests under natural circumstances using larger groups. [ + ]

The Humane Society International has branded Coles’ changed free-range standard an attempt to “dupe” consumers and “hijack the business of genuine free-range egg producers”. [ + ]

Key Technology and Visys NV, a leading provider of chute-fed in-air sorters used by food processors and waste recyclers, have entered into a merger agreement. [ + ]

The SIAB International Techno-Bake Exhibition, which was due to be held in Verona in May 2013, has been postponed to 2014. [ + ]

Owens-Illinois Inc has signed a three-year agreement with the University of Toledo’s Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering to support research at O-I’s new R&D Innovation Center. [ + ]

A Manufacturing Workforce Development Service (MWDS) has been formed to work with manufacturing SMEs to support them and assist them to access the government’s National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF). [ + ]